The essence of Sufi philosophy in life

Shabnam Viramani has been a prolific documentary filmmaker on the essence of Sufi and folk music especially connected to the life and times of mystic poet, Kabir. During her journey of documentation, she came across many musicians who sang their heart out about the philosophy of life.

This inspired her to take up singing and soon she teamed up with Vipul Rikhi and Gopal to spread the message of Kabir, through songs of the Malwa region.

Over a period of time this got expanded into the arena of Baul singing from Bengal and the folk songs from Rajasthan. Shabnam Viramani and her team performed in detail every verse at La Makaan, Banjara Hills to a jam packed audience recently.

The highlight Baul songs were of Poet Roshik, such as “Kichhu din mone mone ghorer kone, Shyamer peerit raakh gopone, Ishaaraaye koibi kotha gothhe maathhe - raai lo” and “Hey Kaala hei aamaar, Paagol kori lo re, Aar ghore roi kemone?”

They also sang the now famous song “Ajab Shahar” on audience request. In the end came a very interesting request from the audience to give them a chance to sing along with the artistes.

Shabnam took up the song “Maan mast huaa re phir kyaa bole” and gave a wonderful opportunity to the audience to follow them. It was truly an out and out Sufi experience.

By:Jaywant Naidu